📱 THE HMRC SCAM EPIDEMIC
Fake HMRC messages are among the most reported scams in the UK. Criminals send texts and emails claiming you’re owed a tax refund — or threatening legal action for unpaid tax. Both are designed to steal your personal details and money.
HMRC itself has confirmed: they will never text, email, or WhatsApp you about a tax refund or penalty. If you receive one, it’s a scam. Full stop.
👀 WHAT THESE SCAMS LOOK LIKE
- Tax refund texts — “HMRC: You are owed a refund of £450.38. Claim now at hmrc-refunds[.]co.uk” — the link goes to a fake .gov-lookalike page that harvests your bank details.
- Threatening emails — “Legal action will be taken if you do not pay your outstanding tax within 24 hours” — designed to create panic so you act without thinking.
- WhatsApp messages — Newer tactic using WhatsApp to send official-looking messages with HMRC branding.
- Phone calls — Automated or live calls claiming to be from HMRC, threatening arrest for unpaid tax.
🔍 HOW TO SPOT THE FAKES
- HMRC never sends emails, texts or WhatsApp messages about tax refunds or penalties.
- HMRC never asks for personal or payment information by text or email.
- Check the sender — official HMRC emails only come from @hmrc.gov.uk domains.
- Look for urgency and threats — legitimate government bodies don’t threaten immediate arrest.
- Hover over links before clicking — scam URLs often mimic official addresses with slight variations.
✅ WHAT TO DO
- Scam text? Forward it to 60599 (network rate charge), then delete it.
- Scam email? Forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, then delete it.
- Scam WhatsApp? Screenshot it and email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Already shared details? Contact HMRC’s security team at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and your bank immediately.
- Scam phone call? Hang up and report it at gov.uk/report-tax-fraud.
Sources: HMRC (gov.uk), Action Fraud, Which?